Sharjah Public Libraries honoured winners of the 26th Sharjah Prize for Library Literature during the opening of its fifth forum at the Sharjah Book Authority headquarters on September 14, 2026, according to the Emirates News Agency. The two-day programme focused on smart leadership in the fourth age of libraries and featured presentations by top researchers alongside officials, academics and sector specialists. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, attended the event that highlighted practical solutions for knowledge institutions. The forum explored leadership and strategic planning while the winning researchers presented findings tied to artificial intelligence applications.
In the research category, Dr. Amani AbdelGhany ElSabbagh took first place for a study titled ‘The Role of an AI-Based Integrated Framework in Personalising the Experience of People of Determination: The Baseera Model for the Smart Academic Library’, the Emirates News Agency reported. Second place went to Abdelhafid Mubarak Barir for research on an intelligent library assistant using generative AI for Sharjah Public Libraries catalogues via a Telegram-based model. Dr. Wesam Yousef Musleh and Dr. Mahmoud Mohamed Abdelsamad shared third place with their proposed framework for user experience departments in UAE public libraries supported by AI. These awards recognise work that addresses real challenges in the information sector.
The National Archives and Library received the award for best Arab library or information institution while the project ‘Applying LibKey Smart Tools at the UAE University Medical Library’ won for best practice in the field, according to event organisers. The selections underscore efforts to improve access to resources and integrate advanced tools across institutions. Such recognition encourages wider adoption of innovative models throughout the Arab world. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri presented the honours following opening remarks that stressed the importance of strategic approaches in modern libraries.
The Sharjah Prize for Library Literature, now in its 26th cycle, seeks to advance Arab research in library science, documentation and information management with an emphasis on applicable solutions. Previous editions have shown growing interest with one recent year attracting 54 researchers from across the Arab region and 48 submitted papers, a Sharjah24 report indicated.[[1]](https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2026/09/14/d71) The prize has recorded rises in submissions of up to 37 percent and increases in participating countries in earlier cycles. Organisers view the forum as a platform to exchange knowledge that strengthens the sector’s contribution to cultural development.
Discussions on the opening day examined how leadership can leverage technology to transform libraries into dynamic centres for innovation and lifelong learning. The programme aligns with broader trends in the UAE where libraries have evolved significantly since the early 20th century under initiatives that position Sharjah as a hub for knowledge. Eman Bushulaibi, director of Sharjah Public Libraries, has previously noted that such awards reinforce the emirate’s century-long commitment to knowledge management. The current forum concluded with recommendations aimed at advancing professional standards across the region.
